Greater Corner Brook – Board of Trade

The Business Case for Long Term Planning: Budget 2012

Budget 2012 has something in it for everyone and something not in it for everyone; no tax increases. It seems to have struck a balance between watching the wallet and continuing to invest in our provinces economic growth. As the government has stated time and time again we need to be fiscally prudent. That means to watch spending not to necessarily cut all spending. This year’s budget is a balanced approach with a long term strategy to a much longer term issue. Certainly the government should be applauded for reducing our provincial deficit by $4 Billion since 2006. More focus on deficit reduction is needed and the long term goals of the Provincial Government will keep a weather eye on reducing this deficit further. From a Board of Trade perspective we advocated for tax incentives for businesses to help them to grow and expand. Budget 2012 gave us that. We also lobbied for the provincial government to help address the issue of day care in this province and the government has committed to 600 new spaces in the next two years. This commitment is pivotal to the attraction and retention of young families in this province to build our business community. This year’s budget also recognizes the single largest resource drain this province faces; the drain of our skilled workers to other parts of the country. By focusing government funding on tacking the issue of journeymen in this province and initiatives to keep apprentices here our local work force will be better able to put down roots and contribute to the local economy and enable NL to grow even more. What was important to see in this year’s Budget was a commitment to restructuring how we spend public funds and we were very encouraged to see a long term “Core Mandate Analysis” announced which will allow departments to reexamine the government’s core mandates and see how each program in their department is aligned with respect to those mandates. With a firm commitment to re-evaluating how we spend money in the long term and a mantra of fiscal prudence, the business community of the greater Corner Brook area looks forward to supporting the provincial government and working with the provincial government to build our region in particular and our province as a whole.

Keith Goulding

President

Request for Support for Upcoming Crime Prevention Conference

From June 7-10, 2012 the Citizens’ Crime Prevention Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will be host to the 27^th Annual Atlantic Conference on Crime Prevention and Community Safety. This event will be held at Sir Wilfred Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook and will attract 250-350 delegates from all across Canada.

 In past conferences which we have hosted in Newfoundland (1997, 2001, 2005 and 2008) we were very fortunate to have many businesses such as yours donate items for conference kits bags, items for our Silent Auction or prizes for the many events we have. We would very much appreciate it if your business could help us out in any way. We will gladly recognize your company on the sponsor page of our conference booklet for your kind generosity in helping us achieve our goals. This would be a good way to advertise your business to the many people who will be attending the conference. It would also show your support of crime prevention initiatives in our province.

To view full details: Conference 2012 request letter

Volunteer Week 2012

This week I was reminded of the successes we have had here in Corner Brook in hosting national and international events. Events like the World Junior Freestyle Championships, Canada Winter Games, ECMAs, NL Summer Games, the list is quite impressive. When I reflected it struck me that there were a few common factors that helped to make them a success; hard work, perseverance, dedication, commitment of the local communities and most notably the firm commitment of a strong core of volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of the community, they support the community in a multitude of ways. Our schools, our churches, our summer festivals and events all owe a great debt to the hard work of such volunteers.

Volunteering makes you feel more in touch with your community, it lifts your spirit, helps you forget your troubles and provides you with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. As odd as this may sound, given all the great benefits of volunteering it maybe one of the most selfish things you do.

As we celebrate Volunteer Week, look about you and see if there is a way you can get involved in your community; it may be the most rewarding thing that you do.

Keith Goulding

President

Website and Direct E-Marketing Certificate

LECU: Spring Campaign

March 2012 Guest Advisors

Tuesday March 20, 2012
Marketing: Traditional and Digital
with Karla Hayward, Senior Director, M5

Wednesday March 21, 2012
Small Business Banking
with Marian Templeton, RBC Royal Bank

Thursday March 22, 2012
Accounting
with John Dearin, Business Management Services Inc

Friday March 23, 2012
Legal Consultation
wiht David S. Williams, O’Dea, Earle

To make an appointment

Getting Serious about Serious Gaming

College of the North Atlantic is co-hosting this session with Springboard Atlantic and MUN Genesis Group.  For businesses and professionals in industry, as well as institutions, and academia interested in gaming, simulation and training, this session is an excellent opportunity to network and learn more about the gaming sector in NL and Atlantic Canada and potential opportunities for new and improved products and services and/or companies.

Getting Serious About Serious Gaming
Who:  College of the North Atlantic, Genesis Group and Springboard with Keynote Address by Tim Workman, Adamas Learning Technologies http://adamaslearning.com/

What: Lunch & Learn session

Where:  Holiday Inn, Stephenville – Port au Port room 2

When:  10:30 am – 1:30 pm – February 23, 2012

RSVP:  Sharon McLennon, ILO at email: sharon.mclennon@cna.nl.ca

Agenda – Serious Gaming NL – Stephenville_Feb 23

Certificate of Achievement in Human Resource Planning

The Recruitment & Selection Process
Wednesday March 14th, 2012

Performance Coaching & Development
Thursday & Friday, March 15 & 16, 2012

To view full program details: Community Education and College Relations

Home, Recreation and RV Show

April 27th – 28th
The Pepsi Centre

With an anticipated audience of 3000-5000 visitors, this is a great venue and opportunity to showcase your business!

Booth spaces are available. Early bird deadline for booking is February 17th.

Booths are 8’ x 10’ for a cost of $400 for the weekend. Book by early bird deadline and get 4 booths for only $900.

For further details, contact Rob Ball at 637-1233 or email.

Home, Recreation & RV Show 2012 Exhibitor Package

RBC Royal Bank Announces New Hours

The Corner Brook Branch of RBC Royal Bank has recently announced new hours of operation. Offering more hours, more choice, they are now open on Saturdays! To view full announcement:

RBC New Hours.